WO2004083077A1

WO2004083077A1 - Lifting mechanism for lifting a receptacle

Info

Publication number: WO2004083077A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/001080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael John Strange; Andrew William Butcher
Original assignee: Del Equipment (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2003-03-17
Filing date: 2004-03-12
Publication date: 2004-09-30
Also published as: GB0306031D0; GB0519157D0; GB2415180B; GB2415180A

Abstract

A lifting mechanism (100) for lifting a receptacle (102) comprising: a first arm (4) having a first lowered position, a second intermediate position and a third raised position; a clamping means (104) attachable to the first arm and comprising: receiving means (3,9) for receiving the receptacle; a clamp (7) for clamping the receptacle in the lifting mechanism and having a first unclamped position and a second clamped position; locking means for locking the clamp in the second position; whereby movement of the arm from the first position towards the second position causes the clamp to move to the clamped position, and movement of the arm from the second position towards the third position activates the locking means to lock the clamp.

Description

LIFTING MECHANISM FOR LIFTING A RECEPTACLE

This invention relates to a lifting mechanism and particularly, but not exclusively, to a lifting mechanism for raising and subsequently lowering a receptacle such as a rubbish bin or a bin for holding items for recycling Throughout this specification it is to be understood that the term "rubbish bin" includes receptacles used in 'recycling systems' as well as receptacles for holding rubbish.

It is known that rubbish bins come in a number of different shapes and sizes.

In many areas, refuse collectors have the responsibility of collecting rubbish or items for recycling from households and industry, and then appropriately disposing of said rubbish, or taking recyclable items to appropriate depots for recycling

A known method of collecting rubbish, particularly from domestic premises involves the use of a refuse vehicle that is driven around a particular area in order that refuse operatives can empty rubbish from individual bins into the vehicle for subsequent disposal.

Such refuse collectors tend to favour the use of large bins made from a plastics material. Such bins are generally too large to lift manually, and therefore, wheels are provided at the base of the bin, in order to allow users to wheel the bin to a place accessible by the refuse operators. Such a bin generally has a hinged lid that covers a top end of the bin. Access to the bin is effected by lifting the lid and allowing rubbish to be deposited in, or removed from the bin.

Because of the size of these bins, it is not possible for refuse collecting operatives to lift the bins in order to tip the contents of a bin into the refuse collecting vehicle.

It is known to employ a lifting device at the rear, front or side of the refuse collecting vehicle. A known lifting device is adapted to clamp a bin, before raising it. Once a bin has been raised a predetermined distance, the lift mechanism tips the bin to a discharge position to allow the contents to fall into the refuse collecting vehicle.

A problem with known lifting mechanisms of this type is that a bin in either a loaded or unloaded state can become unintentionally undamped, resulting in the bin falling from the lifting mechanism during operation. This is potentially hazardous and may cause damage to the bin and injury to operatives.

A further problem with known lifting mechanisms is that once a bin reaches the discharge position it may continue to move to a position beyond the optimum discharge position due to the momentum of the bin built up during the raising and tipping process. This can result in strain which in turn can cause damage to the bin.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lifting mechanism for lifting a receptacle comprising: a first arm having a first lowered position, a second intermediate position and a third raised position; a clamping means attachable to the first arm and comprising: receiving means for receiving the receptacle; a clamp for clamping the receptacle in the lifting mechanism and having a first undamped position and a second clamped position; locking means for locking the clamp in the second position; whereby movement of the arm from the first position towards the second position causes the clamp to move to the clamped position, and movement of the arm from the second position towards the third position activates the locking means to lock the clamp.

An important feature of the lifting mechanism according to the present invention is that movement of the first arm which primarily causes lifting and tilting of the receptacle, also effects clamping and locking of the clamping means forming part of the lifting mechanism.

Because the action of the first arm causes clamping and then locking of the clamp, the chances of the receptacle becoming accidentally undamped during the lifting process are reduced.

Preferably, movement of the first arm from the third position towards the second position deactivates the locking means to unlock the clamp, and movement of the first arm from the second position towards the first position releases the clamping mechanism.

Thus once the receptacle has been tipped and emptied, it is raised and lowered and may be removed from the lifting mechanism.

In some embodiments, the movement of the arm from the first position through the second position and to the third position may define a substantially vertical movement, whereas in some embodiments the movement may be substantially horizontal.

In further embodiments, the movement may comprise both horizontal and vertical components resulting in a tilting of the arm from the first position to the third position via the second position.

Preferably however the movement of the arm from the first position to the second position is substantially vertical, and movement of the arm from the second position to the third position comprises both horizontal and vertical components thus defining a tilting movement.

The receptacle preferably comprises a top open end and a bottom closed end, and may have a lid at least partially covering the top end. Such receptacles are suitable for the collection of rubbish.

Advantageously, the lifting mechanism comprises at least one tyne which at least one tyne serves as a means for receiving and locating a bin in the lifting mechanism.

Conveniently, the lifting mechanism comprises a plurality of tynes positioned at spaced apart intervals along a width of the lifting mechanism. The plurality of tynes extend along a length which is sufficiently long to accommodate a wide range of receptacles of different sizes.

Advantageously the one or more tynes are mounted on a frame which frame serves to further locate the receptacle within the lifting mechanism. The frame also extends to support the receptacle.

Advantageously the clamping means comprises a clamp bar, and resilient means for holding the clamp bar in the first position.

Preferably, the resilient means comprises one or more springs which urge the clamp bar into the clamped position.

Advantageously, the lifting mechanism further comprises a second, non- moveable arm, and a first cam attached to the second arm, the clamp further comprising a first bell crank extending from the clamp bar and comprising a roller, whereby when the first arm is in the first position, the roller is positioned on the first cam such that the clamp bar is in its first position, movement of the first arm towards the second position causing the roller to roll off the cam thus causing the clamp to move to the clamped position.

Conveniently, the first bell crank and the clamp bar are pivotable about a pivot axis.

Advantageously, the lifting mechanism further comprises a second bell crank extending from the first arm, and positioned such that on movement of the first arm from the second position towards the third position, the second bell crank engages the frame and causes pivoting movement of the frame about the pivot axis.

This causes the receptacle to begin to be tipped into a substantially inverted position by the lifting mechanism.

Conveniently, the lifting mechanism comprises a third bell crank pivotable about the pivot axis and a second cam attached to the first arm, further movement of the first arm towards the third position resulting in further movement of the frame about the pivot axis.

This movement causes continued tipping of the receptacle up to a predetermined maximum tipping position.

Preferably, the lifting mechanism further comprises a bracket positioned on the first arm of the lifting mechanism, which bracket prevents over-tipping of the receptacle.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of lifting a receptacle using a lifting method according to the first aspect of the present invention. The invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a lifting mechanism according to the present invention;

Figure 2a and 2b are schematic representations of the lifting mechanism of Figure 1 showing portions of the clamping device forming part of the lifting mechanism of Figure 1;

Figures 3 a and 3b are representations of the lifting mechanism of Figure 1 in an initial lowered position;

Figure 4a and 4b are representations of the lifting mechanism of Figure 1 showing that the effect of movement of the arm of the lifting mechanism in Figure 1 from the initial position towards a raised position;

Figures 5a and 5b are representations of the lifting mechanism of Figure 1 when the arm of the lifting device has reached a raised position and has begun to rotate backwards;

Figures 6a and 6b are representations of the lifting mechanism of Figure 1 showing the locking mechanism of the clamping device being activated; Figures 7a and 7b are representations of the lifting mechanism of Figure 1 showing the action of tipping a receptacle towards an inverted position;

Figures 8 a and 8b are representations of the lifting device of Figure 1 showing the receptacle in a fully inverted position;

Figure 9 is a schematic representation showing the lifting mechanism of Figure 1 in a lowered position;

Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the lifting mechanism of Figure 1 in a raised position;

Figure 11 is an exploded view the basic components forming part of the lifting mechanism of Figure 1; Figures 12 to 15 are schematic representations of the lifting device of

Figure 1 showing the effect of the bracket which prevents over-tipping of a receptacle.

Referring to the figures a lifting mechanism according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 100. The lifting mechanism 100 is adapted to be fitted onto a vehicle for example a refuse collecting vehicle. The lifting mechanism 100 comprises a first arm 4 which may be hydraulically operated. Attached to the first arm 4 is a clamping device 104 which will be described in more detail herein below. The clamping device is adapted to receive a receptacle in the form of for example a rubbish bin 102. The rubbish bin is received within the clamping device 104. In particular, the clamping device 104 comprises a plurality of tynes 3 which are supported on a frame 9. The bin is located on the tynes particularly as shown in Figure 3, and supported by frame 9.

The clamping device further comprises a clamp bar 7 attached to a bell crank 1. The bell crank comprises a roller 2. The combined clamp bar and bell crank 1 are pivotable about a pivot point 106.

The lifting device 100 further comprises a second arm in the form of a rear frame 108 which is substantially fixed in position.

The clamp bar 7 has an undamped position as shown in Figure 3a and a clamped position as shown in Figure 5a. The clamping mechanism 104 comprises a spring 6 which urges the clamping mechanism 104 to the clamped position. However, in the initial lowered position of the lifting mechanism 100, the clamping mechanism 104 is held in the undamped position due to the relative positions of the cam 112 mounted on frame 108, and the roller 2.

Once the bin 102 has been positioned as shown in particularly in Figure 3 a, an operative may activate the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism may be powered by any suitable system, and in this case is hydraulically powered.

Once the lifting device has been activated, the clamping device will move in the direction of arrow 114 on Figure 4a. This movement will cause the roller 2 to follow the cam 106 which movement allows rotation of the clamp bar 7 in the direction of arrow 116. Further movement of the arm 4 in the direction of arrow 114 results in the roller moving off cam 5. This allows the clamp bar 7 to move into the clamped position as shown in Figure 5a.

The lifting mechanism further comprises second bell crank 8 which extends from the lift arm 4. The bell crank 8 engages with frame 9, and further movement of the lift arm 4, which at this stage begins to rotate backwards due to the force of the spring 6 and the partial engagement of the clamp lock due to the start of the tipping movement, causes pivoting of the frame 4 about pivot point 106. This causes the bin 102 to begin to tip. At this point in the movement of the arm 4, the clamp bar 7 is held in the clamp position due to the force of the spring 6.

Turning now to Figures 6a and 6b, the position of the bin 102 after the arm has rotated back further is shown. The bin 102 is supported by frame 9. The frame 9 continues to rotate as described above and this causes a roller 10 to move over cam 11 thus mechanically holding the clamp bar 7 locked during the remainder of the tipping operation.

Referring now to Figure 7, it can be seen that further movement of arm 4 causes the main tipping action of the receptacle 102. The roller 10 continues to move over cam 11 to hold the receptacle 102 in position. The frame 9 moves out of engagement with the bell crank 8 and roller 12 pushes against a cam 13 so that continued movement of arm 4 causes a continuation of the tipping of the frame 9. Referring to Figures 8a and 8b, the receptacle is shown in its fully tipped position. At this point the lid 120 of the receptacle will fall open under the influence of gravity. The lift mechanism further comprises a chute 122 which serves to direct refuse from the bin into the refuse collecting vehicle (not shown). Once in the fully tipped position, the receptacle 102 comes into contact with an over-tip bracket 14 (shown in more detail in Figures 12 to 15).

Typically receptacles of the type shown in the accompanying figures have handles positioned along a top surface of the receptacle in order to assist the moving of the receptacle via wheels 124. These handles may vary in distance depending on the size of the bin.

When the bin is raised to the discharge position shown in Figures 8a and 8b, it assumes an angle of approximately 45°. At this point the lift apparatus is deactivated. However the bin continues to pivot forward due to its momentum. At this point the bracket 14 which is spring loaded slows the bin and prevents further forward motion. The bracket 122 may be positioned appropriately along the arm 4 in order to accommodate a particular size of bin 102.

Claims

1. A lifting mechanism for lifting a receptacle comprising: a first arm having a first lowered position, a second intermediate position and a third raised position; a clamping means attachable to the first arm and comprising: receiving means for receiving the receptacle; a clamp for clamping the receptacle in the lifting mechanism and having a first undamped position and a second clamped position; locking means for locking the clamp in the second position; whereby movement of the arm from the first position towards the second position causes the clamp to move to the clamped position, and movement of the arm from the second position towards the third position activates the locking means to lock the clamp.

2. A lifting mechanism according to Claim 1, wherein movement of the first arm from the third position towards the second position deactivates the locking means to unlock the clamp, and movement of the first arm from the second position towards the first position releases the clamping mechanism.

3. A lifting mechanism according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein movement of the first arm from the first position to the third position via the intermediate position is substantially vertical.

4. A lifting mechanism according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein movement of the first arm from the first position to the third position via the second position is substantially horizontal.

5. A lifting mechanism according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein movement of the first arm from the first position to the third position via the second position comprises both horizontal and vertical movement components such that the movement defines a tilting movement.

6. A lifting mechanism according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein movement of the first arm from the first position to the second position is substantially vertical, and movement of the first arm from the second position to the third position defines a tilting movement.

7. A lifting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle comprises a top open end and a bottom closed end, and a lid at least partially covering the top end.

8. A lifting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving means comprises at least one tyne on which the receptacle is locatable, and a frame on which the one or more tyne is mounted.

9. A lifting mechanism according to Claimδ, wherein the receiving means comprises a plurality of tynes.

10. A lifting mechanism according to Claim 9, further comprising a frame on which the at least one tyne is mounted.

11. A lifting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means comprises a clamp bar, and resilient means for holding the clamp bar in the first position.

12. A lifting mechanism according to Claim 11, further comprising a second; non-moveable arm, and a cam attached to the second arm, the clamp further comprising a first bell crank extending from the clamp bar and comprising a roller, whereby when the first arm is in the first position the roller is positioned on the guide such that the clamp bar is in its first position, movement of the first arm towards the second position causing the roller to roll off the cam thus causing the clamp to move to the clamped position.

13. A lifting mechanism according to Claim 12 wherein the first bell crank and the clamp bar are pivotable about a pivot axis.

14. A lifting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second bell crank extending from the first arm, and positioned such that on movement of the first arm from the second position to the third position the second bell crank engages the frame and causes pivotal movement of the frame about the pivot axis.

15. A lifting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third bell crank pivotable about the pivot axis and a second cam attached to the first arm, further movement of the first ami towards the third position resulting in further movement of the frame about the pivot axis.

16. A method of lifting the receptacle using a lifting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims.